The second experiment of the Glenfiddich Experimental Series took place privately at their Conval warehouse. Shrouded in secrecy, malt Master Brian Kinsman invited 20 whisky experts from around the world to select any expression of their choosing from the thousands of stacked casks. The final 20 chosen malts, matured in everything from port pipes to virgin bourbon barrels, have created an unusual, innovative and unexpected whisky, one that has exceeded even our expectations.

NOSE: complex. Not just complex but crafted, obviously, as there doesn't appear to be a single aroma strand out of place; it is like a malt that has spent the last few years in curlers. It is also the first Glenfiddich that shows signs of the old-age-statement personality, of barley sharpness (lost since the introduction of the 12-years-old) – thus suggesting some younger malts are involved to give bounce and vitality. This is balanced against a vague cough sweet bite, which may well come with age. I very much approve…and love!

TASTE: such a soft delivery you are not quite sure it has landed. Again, there are some contrasting signals, perhaps the quickest to reach the brain are from younger malts stoking up as much barley juiciness as they can; slowly a spice forms alongside a little mocha and against those older hybrid nuances…;

FINISH: heftier now, the spices caught up in a much more oak-induced vanilla thread;

BALANCE: "20 minds, one unexpected whisky" goes the blurb on the label. And in fairness, they have a point. It has been a long time since I encountered a distillery-produced malt this exceptionally well rounded and balanced. All 20 involved should take a bow; this is Glenfiddich as it should be…xxellent, in fact.

The Whisky Barrel releases their latest exclusive Islay single cask

The Isle of Islay, located off the west coast of Scotland, is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides islands and known as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’. The island’s capital is Bowmore and the main port is Port Ellen.

Islay is perhaps best known for its whisky, with eight distilleries each producing their own distinctive single malts. The three distilleries along the south eastern coast of the island, Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin, all have a prominent peaty flavour; a true characteristic of Islay malts.

Rumour has it that the art of distillation was first introduced to Islay by the Irish monks living there in the early fourteenth century!

Distilled at one of Islay’s south eastern distilleries, this malt will be of interest to collectors and connoisseurs alike. It has the distinct peaty flavour that is unique to Islay whiskies. A golden malt with a beautifully balanced scent of fresh hay and peat, as well as a slight sweetness. A truly special malt from one of the most famous distilleries in Scotland.